Snail Attack
If you are in the mood for more Halloween madness, I witnessed this attack about a month ago on a sidewalk during a rainstorm. It looks like a snail had run into some bad luck with a harvester. It happened right as I came upon the snail, first seeing something in my viewfinder as I was about to snap the photo…what are those long, thin, moving…legs?! Oh my… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
The month of October is always a great time to find plenty of American Kestrels passing through, with this male sporting some shades of Halloween. They are often rather shy but sometimes, if you let them fly to you after chasing some prey, you will be able to get a decent look even if only for a minute. These predators will go after birds but can usually be found foraging on abundant insects like grasshoppers or even the praying mantis here in the fall.
Read MoreFlicker vs. Kestrel
Feathered friends! Ehhhh…not so much. These boys were not getting along as well as this photo may suggest. The Northern Flicker was slowly chasing the American Kestrel while I looked on in the early morning. Amazingly, despite their relative sizes, Kestrels will prey on Flickers. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreIntimidating Eastern Kingbird
This intimidating Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is an imposing example of part of why these birds acquired their names. For such a small creature, compared to our stature, it was nonetheless showing no hesitation at looking in my direction and almost sizing me up. Kingbirds go right after anything around their nest from crows to herons and various hawks with a unique boldness and great zest. These brave warriors are returning now. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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